Man U have activated their 1 year option on Rashford, but his contract still expires in 18 months. I’m sure he’ll sign a new deal at Man U but he strikes me as the sort of player who could be very good in the right system and coach

Rashford was great for them in the youth leagues but he didn't play as good as they expected when he made the first team. He's gotten better. Found his stride to some extent, but I still like Martial. Under the right team, like ours, I think he'd excel but we have Martinelli already who I think is somewhat similar in style.

Hey Rich, have we secured Matteus Cunha or has Wolves got him?

It’s that time of year isn’t it. Christmas New Years always up this feeling of who isn’t around.

I really feel for people who have lost members of immediate family. The thoughts of enjoyment must be paired with those who aren’t around. It can actually be a difficult time of year.

Didn’t know Bernard outside the forum but on it he was enjoyable at times but an argumentative tit in equal measures. Knowing my character we would probably got on like a house on fire off it I would imagine.

I wouldn’t get too emotionally invested in William Saliba. I think he’s nailed on to join PSG in the summer when it will be make or break time in his contract.

These contract things are so disappointing at Arsenal. Martinelli said he just needed a pen months ago but still hasn’t signed. Saka no movement, Saliba nothing.

I’d be surprised if Gabby or Saka moved but honestly my gut feeling is Saliba will only have 1 season with us and will leave us with something of an Anelka feeling.

Rog it’s 8 am in Philadelphia so I imagine it’s already Christmas down under
I hope you can get some enjoyment and comfort today
Best wishes

Best wishes to all for a peaceful Christmas and New Year, especially to you Rog.
I think we're all missing Bernard.

Think you're correct with this one TG. Can't see Saliba signing a new contract.

I’m not at all surprised to see forumites equating the Saliba situation with that of Anelka. The same thoughts had been in my mind. Shame really.

Wishing all a wonderful Christmas. Missing Bernard's comments as well. Monday's team selection will be interesting, given a few players on cautions.

https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/ ... m-25815134

Thanks all - Yes it's Christmas. All alone here now though.
Very little to celebrate my end unfortunately.

Happy Christmas to all of you. Rog, many of us will be thinking of you and I hope you can find some moments of peace at this time. Take care. Dec.

Morning all.

Seasons greetings. I hope that everyone, is well, safe and warm and enjoying the Christmas holidays as much as they can.

It's been a very sad year on the forum with the shock passing of Bernard and then Warrior's beloved partner Meg. Life can be so cruel.

I haven't felt much like posting lately, the forum doesn't seem the same,somehow, without Bernard.

Anyway, the PL starts again tomorrow and we will see how we cope without Garbriel Jesus. I had hoped the two month World Cup break would have given us the opportunity to have our January signings in place and ready to go from Jan 1. Obviously, this is not the case and I cannot see us spending 75m pounds on Mudryk or a 15m pounds loan fee on Joao Felix (who seems way overhyped given his performances in Spain)

Well Soc, we'll see starting with West Ham. I think a persuasive case can be made to the Kroenke's about spending in January. If trying to defend the lead without your primary striker, can't pry open their wallets, nothing will.

I’m a bit concerned about the resumption of hostilities. The season went off to a flyer due to the injection of the two Man City transfers. It lifted us a level.

Now they are both crocked, and so is Emile Smith Rowe. Saliba is a counterbalance on the positive side.

So it really is fingers crossed.

We desperately need to get some momentum and belief that we can manage without Jesus, before what looks like a very hard run of games. Couldn't really ask for a better game than WH at home. If we botch it I fear that we may have a rather bleak new year, regardless of any transfer dealings in January.

On a more positive note, Brentford looks like a bit of a Bananaskin for Spurs.

Would take any win whatsoever. 1 nil from an own goal would do.

If anyone hasn’t yet seen the Banshees of inisherin I would seriously recommend it. No other film deals with ageing and mortality like it. Amazing acting too by the brilliant Irish cast. If you are at each others throats by now give it a whirl

Brentford 1-0 spurs. Brentford just had another goal ruled out for offside.

Spurs look like they’re running off a heavy Christmas dinner

I know how they feel

Brentford 2-0 spurs now.

Goal from a corner after a classic swiped clearance by Dier that went 180 degrees in the wrong direction.never change spurs, never change

Spuds providing some excellent Boxing Day entertainment so far. 2-0

Come on Brentford!

FFS Brentford

Still 2 dropped points for spurs. We’re 8 in front of them with 2 games in hand

We must beat Newcastle in our home game against them on Jan 3rd. They are flying and we need to bring them back down to earth and put more distance between us and them

If we win this evening it will be the only home win in the division today.

Signings will come in. No doubt

Look at the attacking options on the bench. Nothing, they aren’t stupid

That was so unlucky. Thought it was going to be given.

When you talk about luck in football that falls squarely on the unlucky side. Nketiah is onside but the pass just clips Saka’s heel unintentionally as it rolled through by which time Nketiah was offside. Smart finish from Saka though

Nice to see a ref give an early yellow for something which is clearly a yellow. So often doesn’t get given

Desperately unlucky. Good start by us though.

Good chance for Nketiah on the counter there, not sure he was decisive enough against a back peddling and slower defender

Where is the contact there?

Bollocks

As you say…

Unlucky

West Ham 1-0 up. Completely against the run of play

I couldn't see any.

Feel very unlucky so far. 2 incredible marginal calls both going West Ham’s way. If the ref hadn’t given the pen on the field there is absolutely no way that var over turns his decision

Doesn’t look great